Joy to All

Friends, Family, and Blog lurkers,

If this is your first visit to the blog, welcome! Sit back, kick off your shoes (and socks, at Anna's insistence) and feel free to delve into our lives the past year. As I write our Christmas card genre entry, I am debating with myself whether this really counts as a Christmas Card. So I have justified my use of my blog as a yuletide greeting for three reasons:

1. If you have been waiting on the edge of your seats to know how we are read it all here.

2. We have been blessed (I am still trying to fully convert myself to this) to have many family events in December, all that you can read about here, and all that complicate the printing, finding addresses, addressing, stamping and mailing of cards. We know that you know our deep care and concern for you even with out a trivial piece of paper, right?

3. Environmental concerns, which Harris reminds us of every day, that we are doing the earth a service by having a cyber-savvy card.

If those reasons don't do it for you, just look at this pic of Anna to make you feel a bit more in the giving mood. You could have missed out on that. She really did kiss Santa. I think she has a crush on him. So, now that I feel justified, on to the more important things.

We started of 2008 glad to be in the same house with no moving in front of us or recently behind us. Fhew! The only big change to our daily routine is that Harris has gone to Hogwarts (Gifted and Talented program). It was a surprise to us to that he had wizard prowess. Luckily, he sleeps in his own bed every night and hasn't once tried to turn Anna into a toad.In fact, the only magic he seems to have mastered is a super growth potion and some sort of unliftable sleep spell. The spell somehow will only break when 10 attempts have been made at waking him up. Alarms have no affect on the spell. He also has found use for those long limbs in basketball. We have loved being spectators and his own personal cheering section at his games. It looks like he is only a half a head taller than other players this year.

On to number two who is now two! The biggest news is thatAnna is now a proud owner of spectacles. I spent all of November posting about my thankfuls but, this one has just surfaced: she actually is keeping them on! I don't know if it is because we dote on her vanity telling her momentarily how pretty she is or if it is just her angel nature. Now we all know better than this or that. Needless to say, my heart overflows daily with the joy I have been given by my children.

Moi? Other than trying to somehow relearn bits and pieces of the six years of French I took, I have been busy with the above two entries. I think I partly understand how laundry can not get done, the day can seem like 5 seconds long, and why my mom got in the habit of going to bed at 9:30. To be fair, I must divide those sentiments by four. Some how amongst all this I have found time to blog, write, sew dresses for Anna, and run a half marathon.

Save the best for last? Of course! We were all glad when Aaron switched from 4 ten hour shifts to five days nine to five, no Saturdays and no late nights. He now gladly participates in Anna's welcome home hugs, reading with Harris, and reading in his hammock. You might think he now has a life of leisure but, he still some how stays booked. Between being a dutiful ward mission leader and being the reliable enrichment night nursery guy(thanks hon!), he seems to have little time to take full advantage of his new found time. I think his wish for the New Year is more time to fish. Hopefully, we can make that happen in 2009.

Well, there you have it. We hope that all of you find joy in the season and peace in the year to come.

On This Our Eleventh Year

I will never forget the look you gave me when you saw me that day. The day that I became your wife. I don't know if it was surprise, shock or nerves but your gaze transformed me. It made me comfortable in that white poofy dress and with all the fussiness of the day. If I didn't know it that day, now I know it was what I wanted to happen at that moment right before we covenanted to be each others forever. At that moment time became eternal, your eyes transformed me into that regal woman. That woman who knew that her helpmate cherished her, loved her, saw her as she was, and saw her as his . I feel my words are lacking at describing what is in my heart. Yet, eleven years later that instance mesmerizes me. It strengthens me. It calms me.

I was thinking how there is so much that has happened between that time and now: school, children, more school, moves, wrinkles, receding hair lines, and all other necessities of life. Yet, the emotion that your eyes held at that moment has never left me. I dare say that there are times when it has represented itself. Maybe when our children were born and our joy expanded. Maybe it was just a look you give me when my hair's messy and I am not at all fancy but your eyes permeate mine. There are times over that last eleven years where that light, that eternal pause comes unexpectedly. I love discovering those glances. I stash them in my pockets with all the clever things our children say and all the family snuggles in the bed. They linger with all our car ride talks and ten second kisses. Those looks let me know that you forgive me for nagging you about cleaning up your socks and letting my frustration bubble over. We are not perfect but that look assures me that some day we will be.

To 11, 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, and on to eternity.

Love Always.

Anna Banana Banu

So, you decided to do it against all my warnings and pleadings. You are now two. Yes, you decided that it was o.k. for you to double your age and in a year, grow a whole head of curly hair, learn to somersault, pee in the toilet (not poop) and sing, "Happy Birthday to me" all through Target. Just so you know, I hold a smidgen of a grudge towards you for this display of regular growth. How is it that you were still not walking last year at this time, and I was more than o.k. with that, and today you bounded through the snow with ease? When did you decide it was o.k. to not even let out a little sympathetic yelp when I leave you at nursery? Why did you have to learn to take your clothes off, not putting them back on, when you were just my little dolly to dress and gussy up? Now, when you want clothes on, they must match your qualifications. Clothing Color of choice: pink or yellow..maybe purple. Haven't I warned you and your brother enough that I will have to start administering my anti-growth elixir if you don't just slow down? Of my two children I though you would listen to me, my shadow. If I was to let on how much I cherish the prime seat I sit in as I watch you grow. I give up. If needs be grow at a snails pace. Just remember to always want to give your daddy a "big hug" when he comes home, always call Harris "bro-bro" and never, no never, call Pluto anything other than Bee-Bo.

Hiatus

After blogging constantly in November, I took a much needed hiatus last week. Not that I don't love blogging, I do, but outside forces kept me from taking the time to sit and write. Here is what I have been doing: Cleaning up throw-up, having sparks of panic erupt every time Anna says "throw-up" and then spits in my hand (how do you explain that throwing up is not an appropriate pretend game?), feeling the permanent nausea cloud that hoovered over our house (I think it has finally lifted), Christmas shopped (sorry Dad, Jake, Walmart online saved the day), cleaned up vomited-on car seat for the second time, ran 32 laps (3.5 mi) at the gym on my birthday in commemoration of my new appointed age, had dinner, roses, and chocolate waiting on my return(I am sooo spoiled), looked at several running watches online trying to decide which one would do everything and cost next to nothing, took Anna to PCMC ophthalmology, got her eyes dilated("drops in eyes"), found out she needs pecs, went to Body Works with Aaron, spent Friday trying to figure out how to purchase said glasses that fit, won't break, and are insured, found out that Anna would much rather look at Santa then sit on his lap, went to the Festival, ran again while figuring out what to get Aaron for Christmas, finally moped my kitchen floor, went to H's last b-ball game, made gingerbread, watched Psych, made calls, went to church, constructed gingerbread house, and sat down to write it all down.

I know, I know a big laundry list is no fun to read. Yet, this is what occupied my break from blogging. Now with the keyboard chattering awayunder my fingertips, I am glad for the homecoming.

Rounding it Out

Although I am a bit short on Thankful posts, I am indeed grateful that I did this. It has made me indulge in my everyday life. Whether it is Anna's cute talk and bounteous personality, Harris's wise view of the world and jovial spirit, or Aaron's constant companionship I feel blessed. Of all I have learned from this exercise one thing stands out: I like my life. It might include cleaning up too much, explaining to a uncomprehending toddler the reason why cranberry juice must stay in the kitchen, extinguishing the temper tantrum after said explanation, trying to figure out crazy third grade math problems, and letting said third grader grow up. It is all good by me because I've got it good.

For your viewing, and reading, pleasure I have included some pics and description of Thanksgiving this year, enjoy.

The morning started off with my favorite Thanksgiving Race the Cold Turkey in City Creek. Whitney and I had a great time and it was so fun. Speaking of great time, my time was great.

Then I rushed home and made my mom's broccoli, cheese and rice casserole, so Aaron could bask in the aroma of the onions and butter as he watched the Macy's Parade. Ahh, brings back those childhood memories.

No, we didn't eat him for dinner, but don't you want too? I couldn't believe this was the same baby Roy I say in the hospital.

When we arrived at A's parents, They seemed to announce our arrival by bringing out the turkey. What a beaut! The best thing about this picture is the pan that A's Grandpa welded to hold an enormous turkey, this one was almost 24 pounds (I think some of Anna's same age cousins don't even out-weigh that turkey.)

Here's a shot of Grandpa making the gravy, his contribution every year.

Anna took to Su Yoong (sp?). She also loved playing with Lania. The only thing was that their favorite game was peeking in on their same age cousin, Savy, who was sleeping and saying their best two year old whisper yells "Shh! Savy Sleepin'."

Much to catch up on

So, I will be rounding out my thankful list tomorrow. We have been a bit under the weather and have been busy taking care of each other. So I guess here is one: being able to take care of one another when we are sick. Especially when Aaron can prescribe anti-nausea meds, take over my job of subing H's primary class and keeping the ship a course.

What we do on H's day off

Snuggle in the bed crowned with bed heads.

Dance Party accompanied by Harris's sweet moves and Anna's bouncy twirls.

Make Pirate Ships, complete with crew. Seperate ships work best.

and we are still not dressed at noon.

Thanks goes to the school district for thinking it was better for teachers to prep while I have my kids home to play.

Sorry, but it is inescapable

Yes, He needed a place on this thankful list. Jack is Back!!! Yipee!! Sorry for you not addicted souls who can't experience the high that 24 gives you after a year and half of Jack Bauer not saving us from evil terrorists. Yes, a bit trivial but I am thankful for that.

Sinks

My deep Kitchen Sink has many uses.....

.......and she loves it as much as I do.

The Utes

So we attended the annual BYU/ Utah viewing at my brother's house. We, the four of us, were the only ones in red. (My brother Jake, a U graduate, wore purple to maintain neutrality) Yes, we were a little out of place. The Utes scored, we cheered quietly. When BYU did, the whole townhouse boomed. So how excited were we, a minority, when our team won. I guess it is a little like being a democrat in Utah County or maybe even a Ute fan. So, go Utes and good luck!
A side note: This is the only game we watched or listened to all year. In fact, I think the last one we actually watched is the 2004 game. We are a bit of fair weather fans.





None of this in 2008.

Dads who help on Super Saturday

Bed was made.
Hair was done. (really cute too!)
Kids fed.
Anna toileting.
Basketball game played.
Kids happy.

The best part is that all though I gave you a laundry list of everything pertaining to the house and kids, especially our toilet training tot, you didn't complain. It all got done and I didn't scream when I saw the house when I got home.

A momment captured

Harris,

Even if I don't show it in the moment, I am glad to help you. These are amazing pictures! I especially love that you got lost in taking them and editing them like I always do writing. You definately made our camera do spectacular things. I guess it is a good thing that we have things like Reflections contests to get us to spend time together.

Washing Machines

What is better for a

two year old

snot wiped,

peanutbutter smeared, dog licked,

garage floor dragged,

throughly loved, constantly held,

pink blanky.

"All Clean,"~Anna Kathrine Linus-ette Nydegger

The need of boys and men to get a monthly haircut.

So, again I attempt to cut my son's hair. This is the conversation.

Boy: Girls get to do everything.
Mom: What do you mean?
Boy: Girls get to stay home,
cook,
play with the kids,
have babies.
Mom: Well, boys get to work and....do other things. (not an exact hit huh?)
Boy: Yea, but girls can do that.

Mom has a momentary feminist thought: Yea, I can have it all. Yes, I get to do it all. Being a girl isn't half bad.

Thanks, Harris

This Yellow Envelope

I am grateful that this yellow envelope that has been sitting on my computer for two weeks, is sealed, mailed, and gone. Will they like it? Only time will tell. If not, we'll do it again, and again. I'm diving in.

Quiet

What mother doesn't appreciate a little time to themselves? Putting the checklist on hold and hearing nothing? Not Barney nor Elmo. Not my sweet girl's words in need of deciphering nor my boy's amusing questions that, sometimes, take time to decipher. Not the dishwasher, clothes washer or dryer which up to a few minutes ago were all humming along. The nothing that holds everything for a moment. Who I am, where I want to be, and how I am doing. It is my secret place, seldom visited, some times hard to find, but always needed. It is not where I want to stay long, just visit frequently.

Six Miles with Anna

There is nothing better than having a cool, hazy blue sky day for my running spirit: dripping sweat not stinging my eyes, leaving at 9:30 and it still cool, and being able to run outside instead of feeling like a gerbil on a treadmill. My path gives me great views of the snow that topped the mountains last week and the colored leaves the storm graciously left me. A planned three mile run doubles quickly when these circumstances are presented. Of course, Anna in her jogger. Yet, in twelve years miss, if you want to come, you'll have to use your own feet.

Four Fish

Saturday at 7:30 a.m.:
Daddy Aaron: "Harris wake up, let's go fish."
Harris: "You can go without me, I'll just hold you back."
D.A.: "You won't hold me back. I want you to come."
Five more minutes of bantering between the drowsy son and caring dad. Finally, the son and father leave....together.

Later:
A tug on the line.
H: "Dad, can I reel it in."
D.A.: "Of course!"


4 fish reeled in by Harris. 0 reeled in by Daddy Aaron.

The sacrifices we make, babe. The sacrifices we make.

Anna's Echoing Laugh

I am thankful for Anna's laugh echoing

through out the mall as she plays on the toys.

....and her Bouncing Blonde Curls

.....and her little toe that curls like mine.

Yea, She was worth the wait.

School Lunch

Today was "lunch with someone grand" at H's school. I was the proud recipient of the "grand" invite. Cafeteria's always smell the same, even though most of the food is not prepared there. The routine is still the same accompanied by the same interesting set of rules. When I was in elementary school we had a traffic light to tell us if the "noise volume" was too high. Harris quickly introduced Anna and I to the rules of his school. 1. You sit on the stage steps as you wait in line, so others can pass by. 2. The card at your assigned table has two sides. When it is turned to green, you can go out to play. 3. No fancy traffic lights here, if it gets too loud the lights just go off. We sat by a bunch of extremely smart and talkative girls in his class. I love third graders. The are so opinionated even if their opinions are merely a reflection of the trusting adults in their lives. Also, at least the girls, they will tell you their who life story in the first thirty seconds of meeting them. By the time lunch was done a felt like I had four new best friends under four and a half feet. The best thing was that I might embarrass Harris when I "accidentally" give him a one arm hug, but Anna's visit is prize worthy.He made sure that she knew where to sit (in between him and me), what door to go out to recess(leading her out by the hand) , and how to act in the halls. Yea, he likes her, maybe even more than his secret crush.

Hot Chocolate in my Green Cup

It is way cold today. What can get better than this?

Vetrans

Today your memory floods my thoughts. I remember sitting on your couch just married as you "interviewed" Aaron. Two things I learned that day: How you faithfully adored Grandma, even after she was gone. How you faithfully served this country. You told us how you signed up as soon as America joined in the war. You were older than most, but knew your duty was to your Country. I lack complete comprehension of what you saw there and went through. Some of our generation reflects this lack. Yet, your honor sustains in my memory. Your deep brown eyes carried those things, declaring them to the world, bringing deeper insight, at least those of us who knew you. I suspect that Grandma saw that. Today I was bombarded by those eyes. Instead of letting today just be a speed bump between Halloween and Thanksgiving, it forced me to stop and remember you. As I help mold your namesake, I see your love of country in him as he honors the flag. Somethings don't stop at death.
~In Memory of Paul Harris Murdoch 1919-2000

Where's the pics?

Be patient..I was having a bit of trouble loading them up. Stay tuned.....

Aaron, of course

So today's post is easy. I mean how can I not be grateful for my spouse? Here are 35 things I love about you.

1. That you share the same birthday as Tracy Morgan (30 Rock). I found this out listening to NPR on the way to the gym. He's forty. I hope that makes you feel better.
2. Your obsession of always having ice in the house. Yes, I did remember to fill the ice trays today.
3. You like to fly fish and tie flies. I wish that Saturday mornings could be twice as long as they are. Plan on Saturday, babe.
4. How Anna adores you.
5. How Harris idolizes you.
6. That you giggle with me at silly things on the Office and 30 Rock.
7. That even when the missionaries call at 6:00 p.m. on a Saturday night when we have planned to watch a movie, you still go with them. You are dutiful, ward mission leader.
8.Your dimples.
9. That you constantly obsess about your hairline. Even though it is receeding, it is much slower than I expected ;>.
10. Tickles and tackles.
11. How Anna just lays on your chest and falls asleep. Its the secret daddy hold for sure.
12. You love rain.
13. Holding your hand.
14. Kissing you after my shower.
15. How you endured mowing the lawn for two summers with a broken down lawn mower.
16. That you, and almost only you, read my blog, and love it.
17. That you give my dictionaries for Mother's Day.
18. That you endure that I am impossible to shop for due to my ever-changing moods and tastes.
19. You worry about your patients.
20. How you crinkle the back of your neck every time I scratch it.
21. I always find you reading Robert Frost at the end of October.
22. Those flecks of gray in your eyes.
23. How you put up with all my need to create in the kitchen even though a plate of spaghetti suits you just fine.
24. Tigers
25. How you feel a bit sad when I take the kids to the museum or zoo during the week and you can't go too.
26. How you think I am the best dancer in the world when, the only audience I have is you, Harris, Anna and the walls of our house.
28. That you bring home the bacon, and you laughed at my silly note pad we had a few years back that stated that with a picture of a pig in a shopping cart.
29. That you sing hymns with us at FHE.
30. The side of you that wants to know more about obscure algorithms and such.
31. That you listen to me go on and on...and on about how Anna's potty training is going even though you don't need to know every detail of every trip to the potty.
32. Your love of fresh carrots from the garden.
33. That even when you got home late you would always kiss me and then go talk to Harris before you even ate your dinner.
34. You reading in your hammock.
35. I feel like this list is too short. I want to continue going. But, to stay in the theme I will stop and save the rest of my thoughts for another time. The last one is that you are you. I think of the last eleven years and I feel that I have changed, without you asking me too, into a better woman because you married me.

Love You!

Saturday Movie Nights

Yes, we do dress for the occassion. (Kung-Fu Panda Night). Yes, we do take off Anna's blindfold when the movie starts. The movies is rated G, afterall. Best movie nights: Never a Dull Moment, Spiderman, King Kong, Any Elvis Movie, Johnny Appleseed, Its the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,National Treasure, Indiana Jones, Mr. Bean, Psych (I know it is not a movie but you should see our kids groove to the theme music).

Yellow Curtains

These are the curtains that greet me every morning. They hang in my kitchen. Their sunny disposition makes me smile daily. A pretty little spot where the morning peeks through the blind slats. A moment of cheery solitude, the rest of the house breathing deeply in its last phase of sleep.

Dry All Morning!

Anna- is it just because I was ready to throw in the towel and plop you back in diapers that you decided you could do it? You amaze me. Don't worry, I don't mind taking you to see every potty for here to St. George even if you don't have to go. Just keep on saying "Anna toto" or "Mama potty" and I'll come running. Now on to number two. I mean that literaly.

Thankful for Twirling

What little girl doesn't like the feeling of spinning until you see stars flying with you? Your hair whips around, you create your own wind, the room spins and since you are only two plus feet off the ground falling is just insentive. What is better that I can remember what it was like to be that little girl who once twirled and now I twirl with you.

Early Snow

These pictures weren't taken today but, on the real first snow day, in October. I am thankful when the first white carpet of snow lands. Even more grateful for the fun two kids with seven years between them can together conjure. Anna needs a teacher to show her how to catch snowflakes on her tongue, know the difference between fresh and old snow and know how to throw snowballs. Harris's nine years of expertise is just the ticket. Of course, finding the right equipment can be challenging. Zebra printed yellow sunglasses are great for makeshift goggles. Newness is always thrilling. It doesn't linger like the later in the season stuff, making my lawn look like a gigantic dingy grey slushie. The best part: that little snow man stayed on my lawn three days after the rest was melted.

Voting Day

Who will you choose?

Waking up to rain outside always makes me happy. Being that it is election day, that is even better. It is an end to all the debating and slandering. According to my brother Jake, family dinners can be comfortable again. Its an end to all the dirt digging, mud splattering politics. It is a begining for some people, a restart for a few. You get to go see the hard working election officals, one always ends up being the ward grandma. The best part as each one of us gets to make a choice. Yes, I hope to always have the freedom to make a choice.

I am grateful

Since November comes during my favorite time of year and holds two of my favorite holidays, Aaron's Birthday and Thanksgiving, I decided to express my thankfulness everyday. So, three days in and I am already behind but, here are three things I am thankful for.

1. Being a mom on Halloween. My hubby that will follow a nine year old's every whim, even go all over creation trick or treating, on Halloween.

2.Everyone on the bed.

3. Potty Training. What else can totaly black out your calendar for a week, give your child so much pride. Hopefully, only a week...

4. (Bonus time). Resolve Carpet Cleaner. Refer to #3 for purpose.

A Box

What can be said for a box? The one that has been in the basement for a year and a half and finally unpacked? The one I decide is ready to be disposed of? It is a table for playing cards, a make-shift ball pit, a sleeping place, a hiding place. There is no where better to watch shows, that you claim you don't like, with your sister. Your sister who runs when you call her name, unlike when either of her parents bekon. Who looks for "Arros, Bro-Bro" all day long. Who thinks that she must like spiderman and turns into "Super Anna" on your request. She loves the box too. I found her playing peek-a-boo with Minnie and baby, just like you were with her. NIne is not so bad, my request is you stay right where you are.

My Number One Son

The only thing that could be better about today is if you were here to spend it with me. Instead you are obligated to go to school. Do you remember when we would take long walks in the fall, jump in piles of leaves? Every time your birthday comes I think of how there was sudden relief from a sweltering summer the year you were born. So, as fall has ascended, I will always think of you as that 9 pound, 23 inch baby. All boy and all ours.

I look at you now: your stretched out limbs and keen mind and I am proud. You are kind, keen, and courageous. I love how you wanted to invite everyone to your party and when the time came, you kept inviting more. I love that. I love that you see a challenge, whether it is making so many baskets in a row or getting 100% on a spelling test and you work hard. I love the determination in your assure eyes.

Don't forget that although I am not as cool as I once was, I still love you. You might need me to be silent on the sidelines, only solve problems when asked but I am glad to do my part. I might not know all the names of all the Chaotic creatures or the exact rules of basketball. Yet, I'll always try. I know this is just one quick day and a another year gone by yet, if I could, just for a moment, freeze your nine year old self I would. So I could always remember what you are right now and what dreams you hold in your eyes.

Happy Birthday!